Pages

Bozak's Halloween Costume Sparks Controversy

Had it not been for the current lockout, Toronto Maple Leafs & DU Alum Tyler Bozak might have been resting – maybe celebrating – after meeting the Anaheim Ducks at the Air Canada Centre Tuesday night.

Instead, the 26-year-old from Regina, Sask., became the subject of heated social media talk after a tweet from his personal Twitter account appeared to show a picture of himself in blackface, posing as former pop star Michael Jackson while grabbing himself.

Although he promptly removed the tweet the photo was captured by a number of followers, who prominently displayed the image for all to see, leading Bozak to comment on the accompanying backlash that ensued.

“That's a tribute to one of my fave artists,” Bozak tweeted. “For anyone saying its racist is crazy!”

Blackface is a style of makeup used for imitating a black person. It has a history of being used in forms of entertainment based on racist stereotypes.

In three season with the Leafs Bozak has 106 points in 192 games. He agreed to a two-year extension with Toronto last summer.

Positive racial stereotyping is also frowned upon such as "hard-working" illegal aliens; Asians are good at homework, math and assembly line work; Jews are successful in business & Muslims make very good suicide bombers.

If any of the above references occur on the campus of the University of Denver someone will file an "Incident Report," getting the SOB who made the comment in trouble and building a TeePee on the Driscoll lawn while you issue a formal apology.

Most Canadians know about US blackface history. Additionally, Canada has its own blackface controversies from time to time, including other NHL players in the last couple of years. (See Raffi Torres).

While Bozak sees tribute, others see painful mockery.

I have no doubt that Bozak is not a racist. His wide circle of friends, his previous tweets and caring social stands and community service are evidence that he is a very decent guy. However, he screwed up here, and ignorance can't be an excuse. I'd like to see him own this, apologize and become more of an advocate for social dignity in the future.

Bozak seems like a good guy, and I doubt he had any bad intentions with this. That said, he should have known better. It strikes me as a little naive and immature for a guy of his age. You can pay your tribute to Michael Jackson. But blackface has too many negative connotations, and I don't think the knowledge of that stops at the Canadian border. My advice to Tyler: pick Elvis as your Halloween costume next year.

Canada had minstrel shows with entertainers in blackface years ago, just as the USA did. Many Canadians have memories of those.

Additionally, there have been big, front page controversies in Canada over new productions of old musicals such as 'Showboat', which have sterotypical racial depictions that some people find offensive.

Finally, white NHL players such as Pat Kane, Adam Burrish and Raffi Torres have all gotten into hot water recently over depicting black celebrities for Halloween. Major news in Canada.